How Can I Get a CPR Certification? Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death. In today’s world, where cardiac arrest, opioid poisoning, and mental health emergencies are increasingly common, being prepared matters.
That’s why we make the process clear, practical, and supportive from start to finish. At BraveHeart First Aid, we offer certified, in-person CPR courses, helping individuals, workplaces, and families across Nova Scotia build confidence and real-life readiness. If you’re wondering how to get a CPR certification, we’re here to explain the whole process.
What Is CPR Certification?
CPR certification is an official credential that verifies a person has successfully completed a training course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The certification shows they have learned the skills necessary to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies, including how to:
Recognize signs of cardiac arrest or respiratory distress
Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth ventilations)
Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Safely assist adults, children, and infants during medical emergencies
Who Needs CPR Classes?
Healthcare professionals: nurses, doctors, paramedics, and dental staff
Childcare providers: daycare workers, babysitters, and early childhood educators
Teachers and school staff: for student safety and school emergency readiness
Fitness and recreation staff: gym trainers, lifeguards, and sports coaches
Workplace safety roles: first aid attendants, construction crews, industrial workers
Parents and caregivers: especially of infants, children, or elderly family members
Volunteers and community leaders: in public events, youth programs, or outreach work
Mariners and remote workers: those working offshore or far from immediate medical help
Anyone who wants to be prepared: CPR saves lives, and anyone can learn it!
Who Provides CPR Certification?
While the certification itself is issued by nationally recognized bodies like the Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Lifesaving Society, the training is delivered by licensed providers.
At BraveHeart First Aid, we are proud to be one of Nova Scotia’s leading certified training partners of the Canadian Red Cross. This means our instructors are authorized to teach the official CPR curriculum and issue certifications on behalf of the Red Cross.
We offer a variety of CPR and First Aid courses designed for individuals, workplaces, and healthcare professionals. Whether you're looking to fulfill employment requirements or simply want to be prepared for emergencies, all of our programs meet national standards and are recognized across Canada.
What Can I Expect from CPR Training and First Aid Courses?
At BraveHeart First Aid, our training is immersive, practical, and designed for real-world readiness. Here’s what you can expect:
Basic (Emergency) First Aid
This one-day, Canadian Red Cross–certified course delivers essential CPR-C and AED training, along with practical first aid skills. It’s ideal for workplaces, homes, or public settings where being ready to respond matters. You’ll learn how to manage serious injuries and medical emergencies with confidence, even if you’ve never taken a course before.
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid
This two-day, Canadian Red Cross–certified course is ideal for those who want more than just the basics. It builds on your core knowledge with practical training for more serious situations, including fractures, allergic reactions, heat stroke, cold exposure, and opioid poisoning.
This course provides hands-on training in CPR for infants, children, and adults, as well as instruction on how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively. Participants will also learn the full 'Check · Call · Care' response framework. It's an excellent choice for parents, coaches, tradespeople, and professionals in workplaces that require CSA-approved certification.
Marine Basic First Aid
This two-day, Red Cross–certified Marine Basic First Aid course is built for real-world challenges at sea. You’ll train in cold water shock response, drowning scenarios, oxygen use, and wound care, all tailored for boats, fishing vessels, and remote waters. From distress signals to evacuation procedures, this course meets Transport Canada standards and gives you the confidence to lead in emergencies where help is hours away.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Built for healthcare professionals, our Canadian Red Cross & Rescue 7–certified BLS course focuses on high-performance CPR techniques, including chest compressions, AED use, airway management, and emergency oxygen delivery. Whether you’re working in a clinic, hospital, or training for ILCOR-compliant standards, this instructor-led course delivers the practical training and confidence needed for critical response.
CPR/AED
Short on time? This half-day CPR/AED course is direct, practical, and certified by the Canadian Red Cross. You learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants, respond to choking incidents, and use an AED with confidence. Ideal for parents, fitness instructors, and anyone wanting real emergency skills without full first aid training. You’ll walk away ready to act and glad you know how.
BraveHeart Babysitter
This BraveHeart–certified Babysitting & Child Care course is built for youth aged 11–15 who want to step into their first job with confidence. Participants learn how to care for babies and young children, respond calmly in emergencies, and create safe environments. Alongside basic first aid, the course emphasizes leadership, communication, and real-world responsibility; skills that matter to both kids and parents.
Stay Safe!
Designed for kids aged 9–13, this half-day Canadian Red Cross course builds life-readiness through safety awareness and practical decision-making. Participants learn how to stay safe at home, at school, and in public while developing confidence in calling 911, setting boundaries, and speaking up in unsafe situations. It’s the perfect intro for youth gaining independence and a great stepping stone before BraveHeart Babysitter.
Need Help Choosing the Right CPR Training Course? Contact Us!
How to Register for CPR Courses
We make it easy to get certified:
Choose Your Course: Find the course that fits your goals.
Register Online: Secure your spot with easy booking.
Attend In-Class Training: Learn from certified instructors in a safe, inclusive environment.
Receive Your Certificate: You’ll get a nationally recognized Red Cross certification, valid for 3 years. All our training reinforces confident, lawful response under Canada’s Good Samaritan protections.
What Makes BraveHeart Different?
As Nova Scotia’s leading Indigenous woman-owned First Aid training provider, we are committed to accessibility, community care, and excellence. We deliver every course with a personal touch because we believe life-saving skills should be available to everyone.
Whether you're preparing for your workplace, caring for loved ones, or simply want to be ready when it counts, our courses are here to empower you. Start your training journey with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPR Skills
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CPR-A covers adult-only resuscitation skills, while CPR-C includes adult, child, and baby CPR, ideal for most public or workplace settings.
BLS (Basic Life Support), sometimes called CPR-BLS or BLS/CPR for Healthcare, is a more advanced resuscitation program tailored for healthcare providers. It includes high-performance CPR, airway management, and oxygen use.
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Yes, most CPR certifications are valid for three years. You can renew through a recertification course, which is often shorter.
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No, CPR training is not only for adults. Many programs offer age-appropriate training for children and teens, starting as young as 9 years old. Younger learners are typically taught how to recognize emergencies, call for help, and perform hands-only CPR, while older teens can take full certification courses. Teaching CPR early helps build confidence and creates safer, more prepared communities.
Book Your Certification Course
Don’t wait until an emergency strikes. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or professional, our certifications are a smart, simple investment in your future. Explore our programs, meet our instructors, and join the thousands who trust BraveHeart for their CPR certification journey.